Abstract
<p>Eating disorders have recently come into focus as a significant problem with college-aged women. Professional literature addresses eating disorders in several cultural minorities; however, women who are hearing-impaired have not been recognized as a group that may have significant issues with food. This preliminary study is a comparison of two groups of college-aged women (hearing and hearing-impaired), and their feelings about their bodies, dieting and eating. The survey tool is based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Revised-III, 1987, (SDMR-III) for eating disorder behavior, and also serves as a basis for larger scale study. The results indicated that women who are hearing-impaired do not show a difference in their attitudes towards food and dieting behaviors. This study also shows a trend toward bingeing behaviors, diet pill usage and skipping meals by women who are hearing-impaired. Recommendations for professionals who work with women who are hearing-impaired are also discussed.</p>
